Following today’s announcement by the Government that it intends to use law to scrap the Rain Tax, Martin Dales, from DontDrainUs.org said, “I am very pleased that Ministers have at long last come up with a new law that will allow volunteers to use the monies they raise for their organisations for the charitable purposes they exist to provide. It is grossly unfair that churchwardens, sports club treasurers and scout leaders have had to bear the intolerable burden of these bills which has affected their ability to help provide services for their members.”
The Bishop of Middleton, the Rt Revd Mark Davies, said; “We're delighted the government has announced it is going to intervene to stop Ofwat's rain tax and introduce a sensible social water charging regime. This announcement will be welcomed by all community groups across England and Wales who have been frustrated by Ofwat's failure to understand the damage and financial hardship their policies were causing to charities, churches, clubs and groups.”
In a joint statement the Church of England, Scout Association, Football Association, Lawn Tennis Association, and the Rugby Football Union Said; “We will be seeking assurances from all of the main political parties for wide ranging cross party support to make sure these measures become law in the Floods and Water Bill to protect community and voluntary groups which are the life blood of many communities.”
Speaking at the Labour Party Conference, Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn, said: "Some churches, sports clubs and youth organisations have been hit by huge and unaffordable increases in their water bills for surface drainage. It isn't right. We will legislate to allow water companies to run concessionary schemes for these organisations so they can get on with doing a great job instead of worrying about unaffordable bills."
18 year Scout leader Nancy Ibrahim said: “Its great news to find out that the Minister has kept his promise to Scouting to stop the rain tax. We were really worried about where we were going to find the money to pay these charges and the cuts this would mean for our activities as a result.”
Chris Lilley, Treasurer of Penrith Rugby Club said: “we fully welcome the news that DEFRA have recognised the contribution that sports clubs make to both their local communities and the health of all participants in sporting activities through this announcement which will remove one of the main financial concerns that we have”
General Synod member Martin Dales said: "With over 16,000 places of worship Church of England parishes and cathedrals were facing an annual bill of several million pounds. Today's announcement is very good news. We look forward to the early implementation of what has been promised."